05 Aug 2024

The Bombay High Court upheld the Maharashtra Government's decision to increase lease rents in Bandra based on the Ready Reckoner (RR) rate, affirming its appropriateness given Bandra's high-end real estate. However, the court ruled that rent must remain fixed for the entire lease duration, not revised every five years as per government resolutions from 2006, 2012, and 2018. Justice B P Colabawalla and Justice Somasekhar Sunderesan noted that the revised rents, ranging from less than INR 2,000 to a maximum of INR 6,000 per month, were not exorbitant given Bandra's prime location. They emphasized that lessees have used the land almost free of cost since 1951, making the rent increase reasonable. However, the court struck down the clause for periodic rent revision, stating both the state and lessees cannot unilaterally modify the lease terms.Read more

05 Aug 2024

Nielsen Media and its subsidiary Whats On India Media are scaling up in Mumbai with a significant office space lease. Located in Commerze III, International Business Park, Oberoi Gardens, Goregaon East, the lease spans 1.52 lakh square feet. Whats On India Media secures 39,852 square feet on the 35th floor, including part of the terrace, with 42 parking slots. Monthly rent is INR 1.004 crore, backed by an INR 8.03 crore security deposit. Nielsen Media leases 1.12 lakh square feet across the 36th-38th floors and terrace, with 122 free parking slots. Monthly rent for their space totals INR 2.87 crore.Read more

05 Aug 2024

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, in partnership with the Slum Rehabilitation Authority, is undertaking a significant redevelopment project in Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar, Ghatkopar. Over 14,224 families, or 85 percent of residents, have qualified for new housing. The project, approved by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, coincides with the Eastern Freeway expansion to Thane and involves an INR 3,200 crore investment. It aims to rehabilitate 16,575 slum dwellers, improving their living conditions. The initiative will create 75 lakh square feet of commercial space, potentially generating INR 10,000 crore in revenue, and will also incorporate an additional 5,000 flats for the MMRDA.Read more

02 Aug 2024

ASK Property Fund, part of Blackstone-backed ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group, is investing INR 190 crore in a residential project in Mumbai's Borivali (West). This investment will fund the redevelopment of a 6-acre site by Kalpataru Group, creating 310 new residential units across a 6.5 lakh square feet saleable area. The project targets the upper-middle segment and benefits from Borivali West's excellent connectivity to roads, railways, and metro networks, along with robust social infrastructure. This marks ASK Property Fund's second collaboration with Kalpataru Group, reinforcing their strong partnership. The area has seen a property sales increase of 18-20% year-on-year in 2023.Read more

02 Aug 2024

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region saw a 10% year-over-year growth in average registered home sales value in the second quarter of 2024. The analysis conducted by the Square Yards suggests that there is a demand for high valued homes. Developers have observed significant growth of bulk sales in peripheral regions while the suburbs ask for luxury and ultra-luxury projects. The Lodha Group remains on top of the board in total registered transactions and total value sales. Peripheral suburb areas like Kalyan-Dombivali are leading the market while Mumbai's southern micro market dominated the region with the highest record for average sales.Read more

02 Aug 2024

Cricket star KL Rahul and actress Athiya Shetty have made a notable entry into Mumbai's high-end property market with the purchase of a luxury apartment for over INR 20 crore. Located in the prestigious Pali Hill area on Nargis Dutt Road, the apartment spans 3,350 square feet within the Sandhu Palace tower and includes four car parking spaces. This purchase, along with a stamp duty of INR 1.20 crore, underscores the high value of prime real estate in Mumbai. The couple's investment highlights the ongoing trend of celebrities investing in Mumbai's lucrative property market, reflecting its appeal as both a personal and financial asset.Read more

02 Aug 2024

The Royal Western India Turf Club transferred a 120-acre parcel of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for a park project. In return, the Mahayuti government renewed RWITC's lease on 91 acres with an INR 133-crore lease rent concession for 30 years and waived nearly INR 120 crore in past dues, totaling an INR 253-crore loss for the state and BMC. Despite the finance department's objections, the State Cabinet approved the proposal. RWITC had requested a reduced lease rent and waiver of arrears, citing its contribution to the park project. Attempts to contact RWITC's secretary were unsuccessful.Read more

02 Aug 2024

Following a serious incident where a slab fell from the Jog Flyover on Mumbai's Western Express Highway, injuring a driver, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has asked the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) to address the urgent repairs. A recent Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) audit found the flyover's superstructure in poor condition. However, BMC hesitates to act due to ongoing legal disputes involving Hiranandani Constructions Pvt Ltd (HCPL), responsible for maintenance since 2005. HCPL, citing INR 64 crore in expenditures and legal issues, has not addressed the repairs. MMRDA, previously overseeing the flyover, is now expected to intervene.Read more

02 Aug 2024

The Union Budget 2024-25 prioritizes urban development under the Viksit Bharat initiative, aiming to enhance infrastructure and reshape urban living. Mumbai's western suburbs are benefiting from significant infrastructure improvements, with these areas accounting for 31% of the city's registered home sales value-INR 14,467 crore out of INR 46,833 crore from April to June 2024. Enhanced connectivity and amenities are driving demand, especially in Borivali, Kandivali, Malad, and Goregaon. CREDAI-MCHI and CRE Matrix report a 13% increase in housing sales but a 35% decline in new launches for FY 2024. Key projects like Metro Line 3 and the Coastal Road are expected to boost property values and attract further investment.Read more

02 Aug 2024

In July 2024, Mumbai's real estate market saw a significant 19% increase in property registrations, reaching 12,160 transactions, up from 10,221 in July 2023. Stamp duty collections also surged by over 27% to INR 1,055 crore, compared to INR 832 crore in the previous year. June 2024 had strong performance with 11,673 registrations and collections of INR 1,014 crore. Experts attribute this growth to strong buyer confidence, economic factors, and favorable policy measures. Mr. Prashant Sharma of NAREDCO Maharashtra and Mr. Pritam Chivukula of Tridhaatu Realty highlight the market's resilience and shifting buyer preferences towards larger and luxury units.Read more

01 Aug 2024

Abha Gupta and Shreekrishna Gupta, part of the Lloyds Group promoter family, have acquired a luxurious triplex penthouse for INR 107.15 crore in Worli, Mumbai. Located in the Sea Crest building on Dr. Annie Besant Road, the 13,207 sq ft property boasts a price of INR 81,133 per square foot and includes 16 car parking spaces. This personal investment reflects Mumbai's booming luxury real estate market, characterised by record-high property sales and increasing demand in premium areas like "Billionaire's Row." The transaction highlights the city's status as a hub for ultra-luxury living, attracting industrialists, celebrities, and other high-profile buyers.Read more

01 Aug 2024

Japanese conglomerate Shinryo Corporation is entering the Indian market by acquiring an 85% stake in Mumbai-based GMP Technical Solutions for an equity valuation of INR 185 crore (USD 22 million). This move aims to capitalise on the growing demand for clean room technology in India's electronics and pharmaceutical sectors. Clean rooms, crucial for manufacturing sensitive products, require controlled environments. GMP, India's second-largest clean room equipment maker, specialises in partitions and will benefit from Shinryo's HVAC expertise. This acquisition is driven by India's booming electronics and pharmaceutical industries, valued at USD 70 billion and USD 45 billion in 2023, respectively.Read more

01 Aug 2024

The BMC is launching a INR 116-crore net-zero building in Santacruz to meet the Centre's 2070 net-zero emissions target. This eco-friendly project will replace the H/East ward office, utilising energy-efficient systems, rainwater harvesting, and sewage treatment to convert waste into reusable resources. The building aims to achieve net-zero certification under LEED and IGBC standards, with a completion timeline of ten years. This initiative aligns with upcoming elections, emphasising environmental compliance and sustainability.Read more

01 Aug 2024

The Dharavi redevelopment project, a joint venture between the Adani Group and the Maharashtra government, has reached a critical juncture. The blueprint is ready, but relocating an estimated one lakh households is a major hurdle. Dharavi Redevelopment Project Limited (DRPPL) will build nearly 1.5 lakh homes for these residents on around 1,000 acres across Mumbai, dubbed 'Nav Dharavis'. Finding suitable land is challenging due to Mumbai's space constraints, with 540 acres identified but facing environmental and regulatory issues. The project's ambitious seven-year timeline for relocation and rehabilitation, and a total 17-year completion goal, hinges on overcoming land acquisition, relocation, and community acceptance challenges.Read more

31 Jul 2024

Mumbai's 112-year-old Sion Road Over Bridge (ROB) will shut down completely from midnight on July 31, 2024, for a major demolition and reconstruction project. The bridge, vital for connecting Sion East and West, will be rebuilt to enhance safety and traffic flow. The project, beginning August 1, 2024, and ending July 31, 2026, will significantly impact traffic. Diversion plans include rerouting through Sion Hospital Junction, K.K. Krishnan Menon Road, and St. Rohidas Marg. No-parking zones will be enforced to manage congestion. Despite short-term inconveniences, the new bridge promises improved commute efficiency.Read more

31 Jul 2024

Mumbai's Metro 3 project, set to open its first phase from Aarey Colony to Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) by September 2024, faces delays due to a contractor falling behind schedule. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) identified a joint venture led by J Kumar Infra as responsible for the incomplete work at six stations. Despite progress in other areas, 5% of station work remains unfinished, leading to a penalty of INR 2 crore for negligence during the monsoon. The state government remains optimistic about meeting the revised deadline, with the project currently 98% complete.Read more